Argentina began a new chapter after the 2026 World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Bolivia on Thursday, with Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero and Jose Manuel Lopez all finding the net.

Martinez opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Alexis Mac Allister played him through on goal. The striker raced clear of Bolivia goalkeeper Vizcarra before calmly finishing to give Argentina the lead.

The goal added to Martinez’s growing importance in the national team. He also scored Argentina’s final goal of the 2026 World Cup against England and remains the country’s second-highest scorer behind Lionel Messi.

Argentina maintained control after taking the lead and continued to create chances, with Paz, Romero and Lopez adding further goals to complete a comfortable victory.

The match offered an early glimpse of the players expected to take on greater responsibility as Argentina moves towards a future without Messi.

Messi did not feature in the match, but is scheduled to make his farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6.

The match will mark another step in the transition following Messi’s long international career, with younger players such as Paz expected to play increasingly important roles.

The victory gives Argentina a positive start to their new cycle as the world champions prepare for the next phase of international football.